9/17: Copy of First Media Analysis Essay Assignment

download hard copy here: newmediafirstessay.doc

Eng264, First Essay Assignment – Media Analysis and Rhetoric

Draft Due: W, Sept 26th (9/26) [BRING 2 COPIES!!!! HARD COPIES!!]
Final Draft Due: M, Oct 1st (10/1) DRAFTS ARE DUE WHETHER OR NOT IT’S TINKER DAY! If Tinker Day occurs on a day a draft is due, I will email you and ask you to submit your essay electronically.
Length: 3-4 pages
Percentage: 15%
Text(s): all materials we have worked with in class thus far
Your essay should follow a consistent style convention (we’ll go over this in class)

***If there is something in particular you would like to write about, please let me know – YOU SHOULD CONTACT ME IN OFFICE HOURS OR ON EMAIL BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING

Assignment:

Option 1: In this 3-4 page analysis, you will develop a strong claim about the difference between creating arguments in print, image-based, and electronic media and will talk about how the piece uses one aspect of rhetoric (logos, pathos, ethos) to connect with its audience. You must make a specific claim about the affect(s) of the rhetorical element you choose – “engages the audience” is too general; how does it engage the audience?

Option 2: Create a short imitation of one of the pieces we have looked at in class. For example, you might create a small excerpt that mirrors one very small section of Apple. Or, perhaps you want to try your hand at a short exposition on a photograph in the style of Barthes. Then, write a brief analysis (approx. 2 pages) of how your imitation makes use of one aspect of rhetoric (logo, pathos, ethos).

Some things to consider

*** This is a short assignment, and thus you need to avoid generalities and instead be very specific. You should spend quite a bit of time before you begin writing reading over the text and taking notes. You will need to be incredibly attentive to the specific details of the work.

***Think carefully about the structure of your paper.

*** Who is the audience for this particular work? Identify and analyze the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, and context).

*** Identify a strong claim for your essay (different from new media text claim/purpose/affect)

*** Try writing the first essay draft without the introduction. In a paper of this length, you have to limit and constrain your prefatory comments. You should spend the majority of your words on making claims and backing those claims with demonstrations.

General Guidelines/Requirements:

1) Meeting with me in office hours is a great way to get help with your papers.
2) Make sure I am not the first person to read your essay.
3) You must have a strong claim that organizes and guides the essay. Avoid summary description.
4) All of your arguments must be supported with the text (words, images, spaces, gestures…). Avoid openings like “Since the beginning of time technology has ruled our lives…”
5) Define your terms; think of the text as your friend and your foe.